Safe Start

Safe Start plans and guidance for reopening

On May 29, Gov. Jay Inslee released an updated, county-by-county based “Safe Start” reopening plan for resuming recreational, social and business activities. This plan builds off the 4-phase plan he announced May 4. The updated proclamation is here.

A successful safe start depends on everyone doing their part. As we gradually reopen, it’s still safest to stay home. When leaving home, physical distancing of at least six feet is required and use of a cloth face covering is strongly recommended. To prevent spread of COVID-19 among counties, stay local.

If approved to move into a new phase, counties will stay in that phase for a minimum of three weeks. This allows public health experts to monitor the impact of reopening. You can view the COVID-19 Risk Assessment dashboard used by the governor and public health leaders to evaluate COVID-19 activity around the state. Visit our county variance page for status updates on individual counties.

Guidance documents for employers

Businesses are not authorized to open until that business is able to meet all safety criteria. If safety criteria for an industry has not yet been issued by the governor’s office, those businesses must wait until that guidance is issued.

Beginning June 8, most employees will be required to wear a cloth facial covering or face mask, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site. (Exceptions include individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who communicate with someone who relies on language cues such as facial markers and expression and mouth movements as a part of communication.) Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection. Refer to the state Department of Labor & Industries’ Coronavirus Facial Covering and Mask Requirements or their Which Mask for Which Task guide for details.